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1st Section

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Dr Naziha Ouahabi Social psychology scale

Second year of Bachelor's degree in Media and Communication Sciences

Lecture N°01 : A general introduction to social psychology (definition,


justifications for its emergence, early research)

-Introduction to Social Psychology


1- Definition
Social psychology is the scientific study of how individuals' thoughts,
feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied
presence of others. It explores how people's interactions with others shape their
perceptions, attitudes, and actions. Social psychology examines phenomena such
as social influence, group dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and social
perception.
2- Justifications for Its Emergence
 Understanding Social Behavior:
o Human Interaction: Social psychology emerged from the need to
understand how and why people behave differently in social
contexts compared to when they are alone. It provides insights into
the mechanisms behind social interactions, including conformity,
persuasion, and group behavior.
 Addressing Social Issues:
o Social Problems: The field addresses pressing social issues such as
prejudice, aggression, and cooperation. By understanding the
psychological underpinnings of these issues, social psychology
aims to offer solutions and interventions that can improve societal
functioning.
 Integration of Psychology and Sociology:
o Interdisciplinary Approach: Social psychology bridges the gap
between psychology and sociology, combining individual
psychological processes with broader social structures and
dynamics. This integration allows for a comprehensive
understanding of social behavior and social systems.
 Evolution of Psychological Theories:
o Historical Context: As psychology evolved, there was a growing
interest in understanding how individual behavior is influenced by
social factors, moving beyond the focus on isolated psychological
processes to encompass social interactions and contexts.

3-Early Research and Foundational Studies


 Norman Triplett (1898):
o Social Facilitation: Triplett conducted one of the earliest
experiments in social psychology, investigating the phenomenon
known as social facilitation. He found that cyclists performed better
in races when competing against others than when racing alone,
suggesting that the presence of others can enhance performance.
 Kurt Lewin (1930s):
o Field Theory: Kurt Lewin, a pioneer in social psychology,
developed field theory, which posits that behavior is a function of
both the individual and their environment. His work emphasized
the importance of understanding the context in which social
behavior occurs.
o Group Dynamics: Lewin also contributed to the study of group
dynamics and leadership styles, including his research on
democratic, autocratic, and laissez-faire leadership, which
highlighted how different styles impact group behavior and
effectiveness.
 Solomon Asch (1950s):
o Conformity Studies: Solomon Asch's experiments on conformity
demonstrated how individuals often conform to group norms, even
when they are clearly incorrect. His work revealed the strong
influence of group pressure on individual judgments and decisions.
 Leon Festinger (1950s):
o Cognitive Dissonance Theory: Festinger introduced the theory of
cognitive dissonance, which explores how individuals strive for
internal consistency between their beliefs and actions. When faced
with conflicting information or behaviors, people experience
psychological discomfort (dissonance) and are motivated to reduce
it.
 Stanley Milgram (1960s):
o Obedience Studies: Milgram's research on obedience to authority
demonstrated that people are willing to inflict harm on others when
instructed by an authority figure. His studies highlighted the power
of authority in shaping behavior and the potential for ordinary
people to commit extraordinary acts under social pressure.

Conclusion

Social psychology is a dynamic and evolving field that provides valuable


insights into how social interactions and environments influence individual
behavior. By examining early research and foundational theories, we gain an
understanding of the origins and development of social psychology and its
relevance to various aspects of human behavior and societal issues. The field
continues to expand, incorporating new methodologies and addressing
contemporary challenges in social and interpersonal contexts.

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